Sheehan Announces Staff Picks

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan nominated Daniel Mirabile as Commissioner of the Department of General Services. Sheehan's campaign manager Matthew Peter has been named Chief of Staff. Jonathan Jones will serve as Commissioner of the Department of Recreation, Youth and Workforce Services. Sheehan has picked former Schenectady finance commissioner Ismat Alam as Budget Director. The mayor expects to make additional appointments in the near future.

The full Press Release:

Mayor Sheehan nominated Daniel Mirabile as Commissioner of the Department of General Services. Mirabile most recently served as Commissioner for the Albany County Department of General Services, managing a staff of over 120 employees, and previously was Deputy Commissioner for the Albany County Department of Public Works. Mirabile holds a Bachelor’s in History from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

“Daniel is a great example of someone who grew up in this city and wants to make it better for future generations to come. He already has demonstrated his experience and leadership through his outstanding management of DGS during our first major snowstorm.” said Mayor Sheehan.

Mayor Sheehan nominated Jonathan Jones as Commissioner of the Department of Recreation, Youth and Workforce Services. Jones currently is an education specialist for the New York State Education Department and holds a Master’s in Education Administration and Policy Studies from the University at Albany.

“As a resident of Arbor Hill and active member of our community, I’ve seen first-hand how Jonathan connects with our city’s most distressed neighborhoods, particularly the youth who benefit greatly from programs run by the Department of Recreation, Youth and Workforce Services. Jonathan’s experience and educational background are well-suited to meet the needs of our entire community for meaningful programs and access to the job skills our residents need in the twenty-first century.” said Mayor Sheehan.

Jones replaces John D’Antonio in the position, who is leaving to pursue other opportunities.

“John created outstanding and award-winning recreation programs for our youth during his tenure as Commissioner. I commend him for his service and wish him well in his future endeavors,” said Mayor Sheehan.

Ismat Alam has been named as Budget Director. Alam, currently the Chief Financial Officer for Proctors, was recently Commissioner of Finance & Administration for the City of Schenectady. Alam holds a bachelor’s in business administration from the University at Albany and has completed General Electric’s Financial Management Training Program.

“I am confident in Ismat’s ability to guide Albany’s financial future. Her work in Schenectady – putting into place policies that upgraded the city’s credit rating and eliminated a $10 million-plus deficit – will serve the residents of Albany well,” said Mayor Sheehan.

Additionally, Mayor Sheehan has appointed Matthew Peter as Chief of Staff. Peter previously served as a fiscal analyst for the New York State Senate, as a tax policy analyst for the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, and as an appointments aide for the Office of the Governor. Peter holds a Master’s in Political Science from the Nelson A. Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy.

“My administration will be looking at ways to increase efficiency in the management of city departments, how we serve the public, and making city government accessible for all. Having worked with Matthew over the past few years on myriad policy initiatives and his work in New York State government, I am confident in his ability to help build an effective administration for Albany as we move to a strong customer service model for city government,” said Mayor Sheehan.

“Albany is filled with dynamic, hard-working individuals who want to make our city government work for all of its residents, its businesses, and its neighborhoods. The people who will work in my administration will exemplify that commitment to moving Albany forward in its next great chapter,” said Mayor Sheehan.